Ijaz Khokhar elected IAF VP in historic first

LAHORE: Pakistan’s apparel industry scored a historic breakthrough on Tuesday as veteran exporter Ijaz A Khokhar was elected Vice President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), becoming the first Pakistani ever to hold the post in the global body’s history. Ijaz Khokhar, former Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and a leading exporter from Sialkot, was nominated by IAF President Stefano Festa Marzotto in recognition of his long service to the federation and the global apparel sector. The General Assembly unanimously endorsed the nomination. Founded in 1972, the IAF represents apparel manufacturers and national associations across more than 40 countries, covering over a 100, 000 companies and 20 million workers worldwide. Ijaz Khokhar heads Ashraf Industries, a Sialkot-based manufacturer of martial arts uniforms since 1969, and has previously served the IAF as an Executive Board Member and Regional President. He was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2007 for his contribution to Pakistan’s exports. Industry leaders welcomed the appointment as a proud moment for the country, saying it would strengthen Pakistan’s voice in global trade forums, open new avenues for investment and market access, and boost confidence in Sialkot’s SME-driven apparel sector on the world stage. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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